a. [ L. quaternarius consisting of four each, containing four, fr. quaterni four each, fr. quattuor four: cf. F. quaternaire. See Four. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Consisting of four; by fours, or in sets of four. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Geol.) Later than, or subsequent to, the Tertiary; Post-tertiary; as, the Quaternary age, or Age of man. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. numerus quaternarius: cf. F. quaternaire. ] 1. The number four. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Geol.) The Quaternary age, era, or formation. See the Chart of Geology. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. ternarius, fr. terni. See Tern, a. ] 1. Proceeding by threes; consisting of three; as, the ternary number was anciently esteemed a symbol of perfection, and held in great veneration. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Chem.) Containing, or consisting of, three different parts, as elements, atoms, groups, or radicals, which are regarded as having different functions or relations in the molecule; thus, sodic hydroxide, NaOH, is a ternary compound. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Ternaries A ternion; the number three; three things taken together; a triad. [ 1913 Webster ]

Some in ternaries, some in pairs, and some single. Holder. [ 1913 Webster ]